Effective Ways to Manage Silica Dust in Construction Sites - OSHAccredited Safety Institute

612 Managing Silica Dust in Construction

Topics

Introduction to Silica

OSHA Silica Standards

Health Effects of Silica

Exposure Limits

Air Monitoring

Table 1 Controls

Silica Dust Control Strategies

Engineering Controls

Administrative and Work Practice Controls

Alternative Exposure Control Methods

Respiratory Protection

Written Exposure Control Plan

Housekeeping Practices

Training Requirements

Medical Surveillance

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Recordkeeping

Job-Specific Risk Assessments

Best Practices for Compliance

Course Details

6 Modules

7 Hours

$25.95

Sectors

Construction

Introduction

Silica dust is a serious hazard in the construction industry, posing long-term health risks to workers who inhale it. Exposure to respirable crystalline silica can lead to silicosis, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases, making proper control measures essential. This course will provide a comprehensive overview of silica hazards, OSHA regulations, and best practices for managing silica dust on job sites. You will learn about engineering controls, safe work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to reduce exposure. Through real-world examples and practical guidance, this course will help you identify risks and implement effective dust control strategies. By the end, you will have the knowledge and tools needed to create a safer work environment and ensure regulatory compliance.

Course Description

This Managing Silica Dust in Construction online safety course is designed to provide construction professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to identify and manage silica dust hazards on job sites. The course covers the risks associated with respirable crystalline silica, including long-term health effects such as silicosis and lung cancer. Participants will learn about OSHA regulations regarding silica exposure limits and how to develop and implement an effective Exposure Control Plan (ECP). The course includes in-depth discussions on engineering controls, such as wet-cutting and local exhaust ventilation, and explores best practices for dust suppression. Safe work practices and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) are also covered to help reduce silica exposure. Real-world scenarios and examples are used to reinforce key concepts and ensure understanding. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to implement effective dust control measures, ensuring a safer work environment and regulatory compliance with every construction project.

Course Objectives

At the end of this online safety course, participants should be able to:

Identify common sources of silica dust exposure in construction activities, such as cutting, grinding, and drilling materials like concrete, brick, and stone.
Explain the health hazards associated with silica dust inhalation, including silicosis, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases.
Understand OSHA’s silica standard (29 CFR 1926.1153) and its key requirements for permissible exposure limits (PEL), exposure assessments, and medical surveillance.
Implement effective engineering controls such as water suppression and local exhaust ventilation to minimize silica dust exposure.
Apply appropriate work practice controls, including proper housekeeping methods and restricted access to high-exposure areas.
Select and use the-correct respiratory protection when engineering and work practice controls are not sufficient to maintain safe exposure levels.
Develop and enforce a silica exposure control plan, including training requirements, recordkeeping, and employer responsibilities for compliance.